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Wachtebeke - C2

Wachtebeke, Belgium, December 23, 2006

Wachtebeke podium colours orange

“I could dig very deep and that pleases me a lot”

By Brecht Decaluwé

It comes as no surprise that Sven Nys (Rabobank) has won the first race in
a string of many holiday races. The podium in Wachtebeke turned orange as his
Rabobank teammates Richard Groenendaal and Sven Vanthourenhout completed the
top three. Nys overcame a flat before going on to win the race.

“I was the best of the three men in front,” said Nys. “When I punctured I didn’t
panic and closed the gap quickly. I was able to dig very deep and that pleases
me a lot as I felt I had enough power in my legs. Maybe I wasn’t that good during
the first half of the race, but gradually I got better.”

The English speaking riders were well represented at the start and some performed
quite well. Veteran Roger Hammond (Discovery Channel) managed a seventh place
while American Jonathan Page (Morgan Blue – BSI) showed his new team jersey
to the Belgian crowds in ninth. Great Britain's Ian Bibby was the last to be
overtaken by Nys. Newly crowned US national champion Ryan Trebon (Kona) didn’t
start due to illness.

How it unfolded

Last year’s winner Sven Vanthourenhout was the first to lead the bunch in Wachtebeke;
David Willemsens, Jan Verstraeten, Nys and Groenendaal all showed up at the
front as well. Apparently the speed wasn’t high enough as the Rabobank riders
managed to ride away. Nys punctured and got distanced at ten seconds. The UCI-leader
returned to the front within two laps which is quick considering Vanthourenhout
and Groenendaal didn’t wait for Nys.

When the Belgian champion returned he didn’t hesitate to attack his teammates.
His compatriot Vanthourenhout quickly understood Nys was unstoppable but Groenedaal
didn’t give in. The Dutchman eventually got behind when Nys attacked in a muddy
section. Nys captured his eighteenth victory of the season while Groenendaal
completed a successful comeback (after some weeks without competition) with
his second place; Vanthourenhout completed the Rabobank triple.